The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Lawal, has reaffirmed the central role of security in national development, declaring that without security, meaningful growth and progress cannot be sustained.
He made this statement on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, during the decoration ceremony of one hundred and sixty (160) senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, who were promoted in the 2025 promotion exercise.
The ceremony, held at the State Command Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan, featured officers elevated to senior ranks including Deputy Commandants of Corps, Assistant Commandants of Corps, Chief Superintendents of Corps, Superintendents of Corps, Deputy Superintendents of Corps, Assistant Superintendents of Corps I, and Assistant Superintendents of Corps II.
The event attracted dignitaries from government, academia, and the security sector. In attendance was the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Lawal, who represented the Executive Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde. Also present were Professor Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan; the Zonal Commander, NSCDC Zone 6, Assistant Commandant General Michael Adaralewa, represented by Commandant Yomi Akeju; and the State Commandant, NSCDC Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu.
Representatives of sister security agencies also graced the occasion, including the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, represented by CSP Oyedepo Abdul Oyeniyi; the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, represented by DCI V. C. Onyeka; the Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Oyo State, DCC Olugbesan Bayode; the Controller, Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, represented by DCC Adepoju Kayode; the Commander, NDLEA, Oyo State, represented by DCN Dofun Joseph Setonji; the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, represented by Assistant Comptroller N. K. Tijani; the Deputy Controller, Federal Fire Service, Oyo State Command, represented by CSF Adeoye Olayiwola; and the Director, Department of State Services, represented by Assistant Director Jibri Bio Salihu.
In his address, the Deputy Governor described security as the foundation upon which all development rests.
“Without security, nothing grows. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and the Oyo State Government takes this responsibility seriously,” he stated.
He noted that Oyo State’s vast landmass of approximately 28,000 square kilometres, covering forest reserves, savannah, and forest belts, presents unique security challenges that require strategic coordination and committed leadership.
Commending the State Commandant, he praised the NSCDC’s operational presence across the state, particularly its sustained efforts against illegal mining activities around Kishi, describing the Command’s approach as proactive and effective.
The Deputy Governor also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, stressing that effective security delivery depends on synergy among the Police, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS, Correctional Service, Immigration, Customs, Fire Service, the Armed Forces, and other relevant stakeholders.
He further described the decoration ceremony as a morale booster and a mark of credibility, noting with pride the high educational qualifications of many of the promoted officers, including holders of HNDs, first degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
Speaking on behalf of the Zonal Commander, NSCDC Zone 6, Commandant Yomi Akeju noted that promotion stagnation had previously affected the Corps until the commencement of decisive reforms in 2024.
He disclosed that over 40,000 NSCDC personnel nationwide have benefitted from promotions between 2023 and the present, following the clearance of accumulated promotion backlogs.
He charged the newly promoted officers to remember that higher rank comes with greater responsibility, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the image and values of the Corps.
In his remarks, the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, congratulated the officers and reminded them that promotion is not an entitlement but a call to higher service.
He urged them to uphold professionalism, respect for human rights, operational discipline, and loyalty to the Corps, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to the protection of critical national assets, public infrastructure, and the people of Oyo State.
The ceremony culminated in the decoration of the newly promoted officers, as each officer was called forward and formally adorned with their new ranks. The dignified exercise was witnessed by senior officers, families, friends, and well-wishers, adding colour and significance to the historic occasion.